Schools in smartphone dilemma: ban or education for the correct handling?

Schools in smartphone dilemma: ban or education for the correct handling?

The discussion about the ban on cell phones on schools picks up speed! While many educational institutions have already met their own regulations, Education Minister Christoph Return plans to give schools the autonomy, allow cell phone use as needed. The Lower Austria Nachrichten . The cell phone in elementary schools should not be necessary in elementary schools - in an emergency, schools are available as a means of communication. Students can bring their mobile devices with them, but the schools regulate safe storage.

In addition, a comprehensive study by the University of Augsburg has shown that a ban on cell phones significantly improves the social climate and learning services. Over five international studies from countries such as Norway and Sweden, the researchers confirmed that cell phones that are visible in the classroom affect the concentration of the students. According to the results of this research, a ban can even increase social well-being and make schools a safer environment, as the Tagesschau . This is particularly important for younger students, since cell phones are often associated with cyberbullying.

education through responsibility

The researchers at the Augsburg University emphasize the importance of an accompanied educational measure. A mere ban brings little if children do not learn to deal responsibly with technology. It is recommended to link mobile phone uses with programs that promote media literacy in order to help students develop a responsible relationship with digital devices. Only in the lower classes can a strict prohibition be useful, while older students should decide independently on how to use their cell phones. In several European countries, including France and Italy, bans have already been established, while Germany and other countries are now thinking about similar measures, especially according to the worrying results of the PISA study 2022.